Graphic Design

Graphic Design

Study Facts

    • Prog. Code
      GRA-60
    • NQF Level
      5.1
    • Credits
      60
    • Valid from
      H27
    • Version
      v1.0 (2026-06)
    • Study Mode
      Full-time, Part-time
    • Program Manager
Learning Environment

The Digital Classroom  
All students at Noroff have access to a digital classroom, referred to as the learning platform. Here the student can access relevant academic and practical information about the study programme. The learning platform also contains learning content, activities, delivery deadlines, work requirements and assessments for every course.

Online
Online studies are flexible since students can study from anywhere and at their own pace according to the academic progression and scheduled deadlines. Students access their learning material for each course through the learning platform, and discussion forums are used for communication between fellow students and teachers. Lectures and live-stream sessions are not a part of the primary offer but may be provided as an additional activity depending on the course.

Campus 
As part of the campus community, students will have access to on-site teachers, guest lecturers, and other students during their learning journey. Students on campus study in modern working environments and have access to professional equipment for practical training.

After Graduation

After Graduation

Vocational education at Noroff can expand career opportunities and lay lifelong learning foundations. Throughout the programme, students will familiarise themselves with key competencies relevant to industry employment. 

Career opportunities 
After graduation, the candidate may qualify for work within these areas:

  • x
Overall Learning Outcomes

The Norwegian Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (NQF) defines the levels of qualifications in the Norwegian educational system. These levels describe the knowledge, skills, and competence a learner is expected to achieve as a result of a learning process. Categories in NQF are defined as:

Knowledge: Understanding theories, facts, principles, procedures in the discipline, subject area and/or occupation.
Skills: Ability to utilise knowledge to solve problems or tasks (cognitive, practical, creative and communication skills).
General Competence: Ability to independently utilise knowledge and skills in different situations.

After graduation from this programme, students have acquired the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The candidate:
• has knowledge of central concepts, processes, and tools in graphic design, including typography, colour, composition, branding, and digital product design.
• has knowledge of ideation methods and creative processes, including sketching, storyboarding, and concept visualisation.
• has knowledge of the history, traditions, and key movements in graphic design.
• has insight into relevant standards, requirements and quality considerations for preparing design deliverables for print and digital media
• has knowledge of how design systems, branding, and visual identity contribute to coherent communication across different platforms.
• has knowledge of user-centred design principles, including introductory awareness of empathy, accessibility, and inclusivity.
• has knowledge of visual storytelling and narrative as part of design and communication processes.
• has knowledge of the graphic design industry, its roles, workflows, and expectations.
• can update their knowledge through research, experimentation and reflection on practice within the field of graphic design.
• understands the importance of graphic design from societal and value-creation perspectives, including sustainability, ethics, accessibility, and inclusivity.

Skills

The candidate:
• can apply design knowledge to practical and theoretical tasks within visual literacy, concept development, branding, and digital product design.
• can use industry-relevant design tools, materials and techniques at an introductory level, including image editing, layout, prototyping, and preparing deliverables for print and digital publishing.
• can apply design knowledge to develop, test, and refine visual concepts through iteration, experimentation, and the use of feedback.
• can find, evaluate, and use relevant information, references, and inspiration to support design solutions.
• can study a design situation, identify challenges, and propose measures that respond to audience and client needs.
• can apply knowledge to sketching, prototyping, and storytelling techniques as part of design development processes.
• can apply knowledge of reflection and documentation to curate project outcomes into an introductory design portfolio.

General Competence

The candidate:
• understands the ethical principles that apply in graphic design.
• has developed an ethical and responsible attitude towards accessibility, inclusivity, sustainability, and professional practice.
• can carry out graphic design work based on the needs of selected target groups, including clients, users, and communities.
• can build relations with peers, across relevant disciplines, and with external stakeholders.
• can develop work methods, products, and services of relevance to graphic design practice, showing initiative and problem-solving ability.

Course Overview
Course code Course name Semester Weeks Hours Credits
TBA Visual Design Foundations 1 6 252 10
TBA Ideas into Images 1 7 294 10
TBA Graphic Design in Practice 1 6 252 10
TBA Strategic Design 2 6 252 10
TBA Digital Product Design 2 7 294 10
TBA  Independent Design Project and Portfolio 2 6 252 10
Total 38 1596 60
Course Models
Graphic Design
CourseType2027 Autumn2028 Spring
Core course
10
Core course
10
Core course
10
Core course
10
Core course
10
Core course
10
Learning Sessions and Activities

Noroff offers an engaging student-active learning experience that prepares students for professional working life through unique and industry-relevant learning activities, including flexible and independent self-study. Guidance and feedback from teachers support students' learning journey.

All learning activities are aligned with the current learning outcomes, designed to promote a holistic understanding of key issues and challenges within each subject area. By fostering critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication, students will develop lifelong learning skills. 

Learning activities can vary for campus and online delivery and are composed of theoretical and practical approaches, providing students with the best possible outcome for each course. 

For all online studies, English is the primary language for teaching. English can also be used as the teaching language on some campuses. 

Assessment

Assessment consists of compulsory activities and exams. These impact the student’s learning significantly and concludes if the student has achieved the intended learning outcome and, if so, at what level. Assessments include summative and formative methods depending on the content of the learning outcome of each course. Assessments for each course are described in the course descriptions.

Equipment Requirements

Information about equipment requirements is available on our webpage under Programme information. 

Online students are required to purchase and maintain their equipment.

Admission Requirements

There are three ways to meet the admission criteria and be enrolled as a student: 

  1. By upper secondary education (videregående skole) 
    • Higher education entrance qualification from Norway or abroad 
  2. By Norwegian vocational upper secondary education  
    • Documented relevant vocational qualifications diploma (yrkeskompetanse) within: Exposure Designer, Interior Consultant (interiørkonsulent, eksponeringsdesigner)

    • Documented relevant craft certificate (fag og svennebrev) within: Floral Decorator, Filigree Silversmith, Hairdresser, Plasterer, Graphic Production Technology (Skilled Operator), Engraver, Goldsmith, Men's Tailor, Horn, Bone, and Metal Duojár, Ceramist, Dress and Costume Tailor, Costume Maker, Media Designer, Media Technician, Plastics Technology (Skilled Operator), Sales Assistant, Screen Printer.

      (Blomsterdekoratør, filigranssølvsmed, frisør, gipsmaker, grafisk produksjonsteknikk (fagoperatør), gravør, gullsmed, herreskredder, horn-, bein- og metallduojár, keramiker, kjole- og draktsyer, kostymesyer, mediedesigner, medietekniker, plastfag (fagoperatør), salgsmedarbeider, serigraf)

  3. Prior learning and work experience   

More information about admission requirements is available on our webpage under Admission Requirements.